There's been a lot of unhappiness among different WWE performers after Smackdown star Jaxon Ryker came out on social media in support of United States President Donald Trump during the current civil and political unrest in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers:
Thankful for the @POTUS we have! God bless America. Built of freedom. Forgotten No More
— Jaxson Ryker (@JaxsonRykerWWE) June 1, 2020
The responses include:
Kevin Owens: "The freedom you speak of entitles you to speak your mind all you want. I'm not here to argue that. I just really need to tell you that I think you pushing your sh**ty wrestling catchphrase as all of this is happening is absolutely f***king pathetic. Good Night."
Although I am part of a tag team while I wrestle, I am my own person with my own thoughts and beliefs. It pains me to see what’s going on in the world. I fought for the freedom of our country and ALL of the people who live here.
— Steve Cutler (@SteveCutlerWWE) June 2, 2020
It shouldn’t matter your race or however you identify, we are ALL human beings and ALL deserve to be equal. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
— Steve Cutler (@SteveCutlerWWE) June 2, 2020
Regardless of my political views, I am not blind to the injustices that continue in this world. I have chosen to stay silent because I don’t know how to put into words the heartbreak I feel watching what is going on across our country.
— Steve Cutler (@SteveCutlerWWE) June 2, 2020
This is not what I fought for or what I believe America is.
— Steve Cutler (@SteveCutlerWWE) June 2, 2020
What I’ve liked & retweeted depicts otherwise. I wanted to take this time to express my feelings as silence does not help in this situation. I understand that I will never understand, However I stand. #BlackLivesMatter
The moment you sign up to be on a social media platform, you gain a large responsibility. So thank you to all who are using their platform to spread love and acceptance. Those of you spreading the wrong message of hate and ignorance, I hope you soon realize where you’re failing.
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) June 2, 2020
I’m thankful you posted this because I’m now aware of what you stand for. When black brothers and sisters are crying, you praise someone that refuses to acknowledge their hurt. https://t.co/O4xm5L3Rpl
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) June 2, 2020
I get you’re a “bad guy” on tv. And I’m HOPING that’s all this is. Even then, that ain’t it. But if this is actually your true thoughts - I’ll be really sad, man. ???? https://t.co/9unml5rsiY
— Pretty Ricky (@KingRicochet) June 2, 2020
Literally built on oppression. https://t.co/yi26CWPgz6
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) June 2, 2020
“The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it's profitable to continue...at the point where the illusion becomes too expensive...they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains...and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater.”
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) June 2, 2020
- Zappa
We’ve all said it. We’ve RT’d images and articles. We’ve made articulate tweets and posts. If you cannot comprehend how African-Americans are literally fighting for their lives right now, you choose not to get it.
— Malcolm Bivens (@Malcolmvelli) June 2, 2020
Also, built on freedom? https://t.co/rJnI9x8Uda pic.twitter.com/GjtdRM2gHk
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